When fetal abnormalities are detected, pregnant women often have to undergo multiple tests at different locations, including additional hospital visits or seeking second opinions from private specialists. This process can be time-consuming and challenging, and compounds the anxiety already experienced by the couple.
To address these issues, Shaare Zedek Medical Center operates a multidisciplinary clinic for prenatal diagnosis. The clinic aims to provide comprehensive counseling services to couples when a fetal malformation is detected during a routine ultrasound examination. The clinic offers a centralized location where various aspects of the diagnosis and treatment can be addressed.
At the clinic, a team of leading experts conducts targeted anatomy scans, fetal echocardiography, genetic counseling, and consultations with pediatric specialists. The purpose is to thoroughly characterize the type of deformity, assess its potential impact on the newborn's health, explore available therapeutic options before and after birth, discuss the need for additional tests, and provide recommendations, including the option of pregnancy termination in cases with a poor prognosis. Obstetrical considerations such as the timing and method of birth are also discussed.
The clinic format offers several advantages. The couple needs to visit only one location, and appointments are readily available within a few days of detecting the defect. The evaluation, which includes various tests and consultations, is efficiently conducted within two days by a coordinated team. The couple is personally accompanied by a coordinator and a doctor who is familiar with the case and facilitates communication among all relevant parties. After the evaluation, the couple receives counseling and a joint summary letter for all healthcare providers involved. The clinic staff continues to support and accompany the couple throughout the pregnancy and even afterward if needed.
Another benefit of the clinic is the immediate availability of invasive tests such as amniocentesis or umbilical cord procedures. The testing is fully funded by the relevant healthcare organization, eliminating financial burdens for the patients. The clinic's professional, comprehensive, and personalized approach provides couples with crucial and relevant information, significantly reducing anxiety and feelings of helplessness. The extensive knowledge and experience accumulated by the clinic over the years are unparalleled and make it a unique resource for couples facing difficult prenatal diagnoses.